Atypical Science: Accessible research about autism and neurodiversity

23/01/2023

Avoiding bread and milk is commonly recommended for people with autism due to the belief that gluten and casein “cause” autism symptoms.
But should you make this drastic change to your or your kids’ diet? Don’t worry, our nutrition writer Lara Tupper has looked at all the science and will answer your questions about gluten, casein, and autism.
Read now to figure what the evidence says about whether a gluten and/or casein free diet can lead to behavioral changes.
https://atypicalscience.org/gluten-casein-free-autism-diet/

Can a gluten and/or casein free diet can lead to behavioral changes in autism? Lets look at the evidence for autistic adults and children.

23/01/2023

Ever wondered if therapies from Traditional Chinese Medicine have a role in supporting Autistics? Easy-read writer and aspiring psychologist Ella Cummings performed a deep dive to find out.
https://atypicalscience.org/acupuncture-and-autism/

Research has found that acupuncture may help support autistic children. Find out everything you need to know about acupuncture and autism.

12/12/2022

Did you miss this one? They are totally different things.

There is a major difference between a picky eater and a selective eater. We explain the difference, and the characteristics of selective eating in autism.

12/12/2022

A MUST READ: Almost all Autistics experience selective eating (up to 90%!). Nutrition writer Lara Tupper has looked to the science and spoken to neurodiversity affirming dietitians to create this, the ultimate, easy-to-read guide: 10 DOs and DON'Ts to manage selective eating.

https://atypicalscience.org/dos-donts-selective-eating-autistics/

There is a major difference between a picky eater and a selective eater. We explain the difference, and the characteristics of selective eating in autism.

31/10/2022

We’re putting out the decorations at home, and having a conversation on how we can be non-judgemental and kind to all who stop by

A great reminder for the upcoming Halloween season! Let’s all be kind and make sure everyone gets to have fun 😝🎃👻

28/10/2022

Did you know that picky eating and selective eating aren't the same thing!? Some research has reported up to 90% of Autistics experience selective eating... so what is it then?

There is a major difference between a picky eater and a selective eater. We explain the difference, and the characteristics of selective eating in autism.

30/09/2022

New blog! Researchers interviewed adults to find out what is stopping them from seeking their diagnosis.

Writer Harry Pan summarises the top 5 barriers.

26/09/2022

In his new blog post, psychologist Harry Pan has used recent published qualitative and mixed method studies to compile a list of the 5 system barriers to an autism diagnosis for adults in Australia right now.
Useful for policy makers and advocates, as well as health care providers in supporting neurodivergent adults.

An autism diagnosis can help self-understanding and give support. However, five system barriers stop an autism diagnosis in adults. Here they are.

04/08/2022

No "toxic positivity" or "toxic negativity" here - just my real experience.

Parenting tips and support groups tend to be focused on "problems". But there are real positives to parenting an autistic child. Here are mine.

03/08/2022

Why are there more autistic kids than adults? ....maybe there aren't.

There are fewer adults diagnosed with autism than there are children. Does that mean autistic children outgrow autism? No. Here's why.

02/08/2022

Lock-downs have eased - lets get our kids active and social.
Easy-read blog on hydrotherapy for autistic kids will help you figure out if this is the right choice for you and your family.

Research has shown that hydrotherapy (physical therapy in a heated pool) has benefits for both the body and the mind. Is it beneficial for autistic children?

01/08/2022

Hey parent - if you sometimes feel anxious, depressed, or stressed - our 5-minute easy-read article explains how a group of researchers from Stanford developed and tested a new therapy for parents of autistic children.

Take a quick read, and then speak to your doctor or therapist if you think you could benefit.
https://atypicalscience.org/resilience-training-parents/

Parents of autistic children face many challenges. How are autism parents supposed to cope with parenting stress? The answer: Resilience.

11/07/2022

Summary of this weeks article:

1. A1 beta casein is a protein found in some animal milk, e.g., cow’s milk.

2. A1 beta casein contains something called “BCM-7” which science has linked to higher levels of inflammation (stress chemicals in the body), and increased risk of some diseases, e.g., SIDS, type 1 diabetes, heart disease.

4. Autistic adults may have higher levels of BCM-7 in their blood.

5. It is not known if autistics will experience the same benefits (e.g., decreased inflammation) as everyone else if they were to avoid A1 beta casein because the research hasn’t been done yet.

7. A1 beta casein does not cause autism or autism symptoms but might make life more difficult for autistics.

8. You can avoid A1 beta casein by swapping from fresh animal’s milk to a plant-based milk; or by choosing a2 cow’s milk, which is available in Australia, China, and the USA.

08/07/2022

New post!

Some people believe that A1 beta casein in milk can be “bad” if you’re autistic. So, should you stop drinking milk? We summarise the science to find the answer.

01/07/2022

The prevalence of autism is higher than we thought it was because we are getting better at diagnosing it.

There is a new way to detect autism in preschoolers, toddlers, and babies. This can open the door to early intervention and support.

09/06/2022

Gluten is a protein found in some grains like wheat. Casein is a protein found in milks, like cow's milk.
If you're autistic, or an autistic parent, there is a good chance that someone has questioned you about gluten and casein free diets at least once.
Why all the hype? Is it a diet fad, or could it really support autism?
Our latest article explains the science: https://atypicalscience.org/gluten-casein-free-autism-diet/

COVID-19 has meant many autistic kids have been less active than usual - having negative impacts on mental health, social skills, and gross motor development. Could hydrotherapy help your kids to recover? Our article describes what to expect if you select this therapy for autistic children.

06/06/2022

COVID-19 has meant many autistic kids have been less active than usual - having negative impacts on mental health, social skills, and gross motor development. Could hydrotherapy help your kids to recover? Our article describes what to expect if you select this therapy for autistic children.

Research has shown that hydrotherapy (physical therapy in a heated pool) has benefits for both the body and the mind. Is it beneficial for autistic children?

30/05/2022

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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is seen as the main intervention for autism–but the costly treatment takes its toll on autistic individuals.